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Izansa Community asserts full ownership of Odube Creek Oil Field in Warri South-West, Delta State
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Stakeholder urges Matrix Energy Limited to consult community before petroleum operations
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Historical claim traced to founder Apribodo, with legacy of uninterrupted land and creek usage
A stakeholder of Izansa Community, Warri South-West LGA, Delta State, has formally declared the community as the exclusive host and rightful owner of the Odube Creek Oil Field, calling on Matrix Energy Limited to engage the community before starting operations.
Mr. Donye David Bedebo, an opinion leader in Izansa, stated in an official Monday release that the Odube Creek Oil Field—comprising Odube Creek Location, Odube Creek Revised, and Odube Creek-1 Exploration Location—lies entirely within Izansa-bou land of the Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom.
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Bedebo highlighted the recent issuance of a Petroleum Prospecting Licence (PPL) for the field to Matrix Energy by the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), emphasizing that the company must consult the community as the rightful host.
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He traced Izansa’s ownership back to the community’s founder, Apribodo, noting that from the time of settlement, the land and creek were used uninterruptedly for fishing, farming, lumbering, and subsistence activities, including the digging of a well.
The name Odube, meaning “well” in Ijaw, originated from this historical well, giving its name to both the creek and the oil locations.
Bedebo strongly advised Matrix Energy to engage with the community regarding health, welfare, and environmental concerns before commencing any activities:
“Early and constructive engagement will ensure transparent and mutually beneficial operations between the company and Izansa Community,” he said.
His position reinforces calls across the Niger Delta for oil companies and regulators to prioritize host community rights, historical ownership, and environmental safeguards in resource-rich areas.
